This is the original method of dyslexia remediation. It is a sequential, cumulative, explicit, direct, multisensory approach that involves introducing and teaching what the child needs to read. This method combines various modes of learning (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, and tactile) to teach a child the way the English language works. The student will see how our language is made up of patterns that they can master and follow to read successfully. To learn more about OG, go to the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators website. Cheryl Urbanczyk is listed as an Associate Level Tutor on with the Academy and is in training at the Certified Level.

-Structured Word Inquiry (SWI)

SWI, also known as Scientific Word Investigation, focuses on understanding words through the scientific method. Words are studied using four aspects: sense/meaning; how it is built; related words; letters in the word. The focus on understanding both the word structure (prefixes, base, suffixes) in conjunction with word relatives provide a very rich learning experience that encompasses many aspects of literacy: spelling, reading, vocabulary, comprehension. To learn more about SWI, go to Word Works Kingston website.

-Davis Dyslexia

The strength of this approach is in helping the student to focus and to correct their orientation (correct way of reading/ writing letters- not flipped or inverted). The method involves connecting visual and kinaesthetic pathways through the use of clay models.

-Best Practices endorsed by the Ministry of Education of Ontario

As a Reading Specialist, Writing Teacher, and member of the Ontario College of Teachers, I have extensively studied and used methods and strategies that are considered “best practices” in the teaching of literacy. These teaching practices are recommended by the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat, a group formed by the Ministry of Education of Ontario tasked with improving literacy.

Because I am very aware of a variety of methods of teaching literacy, I can successfully blend them into a customized program that will best suit the learning needs of each child and will lead them to meet their goals.